The best thread count is not always the highest number. The quality of the thread is more important than the number of threads in a fabric. It is best to look for sheets with a thread count of around 200-600 for most fabrics. Higher thread counts (800-1000) are often more expensive for little variation in softness.
The ideal thread count to achieve optimum softness, breathability and durability from your sheets is between 300-600, made with single-ply fabric.
The best thread count for sheets ranges roughly anywhere from 200 to 600. Any sheet with a thread count lower than 200 likely won't feel as soft, potentially compromising the comfort of your sleep.
It's not that thread count is an irrelevant detail, but it doesn't mean that the higher number of threads, the better the quality. In short, more threads are used to make the sheet, which affects the texture of the fabric, but has nothing to do with quality.
According to the many experts we've interviewed, really good sheets—the ones that feel soft and wear well after years of use and washing—generally have thread counts ranging from 200 to 600, depending on whether they're percale or sateen.
When you first purchase your Egyptian Cotton bed linen, they are likely to have a coating of chemicals left on them from the manufacturing and packaging processes that they have been subject to.
Hotels will almost always insist on single-ply woven sheets and long or extra-long staple cotton, and more often than not, a percale weave over sateen. Percale cotton has a one-over, one-under weave, resulting in a more lightweight, crisp and cool feel to the fabric.
If a few wrinkles remain, both fabrics can easily be ironed. If you're a hot sleeper, percale is going to be a better choice than sateen because of its natural cooling properties. For those who sleep cool and comfortably, sateen is the ultra-soft fabric your bed needs.
Very high thread count bed linens frequently have triple-ply woven cotton yarns, which adds more threads into the square inch and often means heavier (we think too much), less breathable, prone to wrinkling and coarse sheets.
A: For most sheets, a thread count of 300 to 600 is excellent. Sheets in this range tend to offer a great balance of softness, breathability, and durability. Higher thread counts above 600 can still feel luxurious, but they may be less breathable.
According to Abbot, a 300 to 500 thread count is the sweet spot. "This range strikes a balance between a silky-smooth feel and good breathability, making for a cozy night's sleep," she says. Sheets with exceedingly higher thread counts can certainly be soft but probably aren't a great option for everyday sheets.
Generally speaking, a thread count of around 400-600 is considered to be high quality for silk pillowcases. However, some manufacturers may offer silk pillowcases with a lower or higher thread count, so it's important to do your research and choose a reputable brand.
But what thread count is good – and what bedding thread count is luxurious? "“Basic quality" bedding of linen has a thread count of 132 to 144, "good quality" bedding has a thread count of 180 to 220, "great quality" fabric has a thread count beyond 300, and "excellent quality" linen has a thread count beyond 400.
Breathability: Bamboo regulates temperature well; cotton keeps you cool but isn't as versatile. Durability: Bamboo retains its texture and colour over time, while cotton may wear more quickly. Feel: Bamboo feels silky and soft, while cotton has a classic, crisp texture.
Percale sheets are known for their breathability and ability to regulate temperature. The one-over-one-under weave pattern used in percale sheets allows for air to flow freely, making them a great option for hot sleepers.
Percale sheets are known for their crispness and can wrinkle more easily than sateen sheets. However, a higher thread count percale sheet can help reduce wrinkling. Sateen sheets are less likely to wrinkle due to their weave, but they can still wrinkle if not cared for properly.
Frette: The gold standard when it comes to luxurious hotel linens, Frette has been producing its famous Italian sheets for more than 160 years. You'll find these perfect linens lining the beds of the world's best hotel brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton.
Marriott Hotels designed a set of percale sheets made from a cotton blend for durability and incredible softness.
There are two simple ingredients that can turn even basic, inexpensive sheets into silky soft bedding: baking soda and vinegar. All you have to do is toss those stiff sheets into the washer with 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar, and wash for one cycle.
Benefits of Washing New Sheets
This can make the sheets feel itchy if unwashed before use. New sheets can also harbor residues from the manufacturing and packaging process, including chemicals, dust, dirt, and other allergens that can accumulate before being sold.
The good news is that Egyptian cotton improves with age and with every wash! You can wash our 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases in the washing machine. Just follow the instructions on the care label. We recommend washing your bed linen before use and once a week thereafter.